The 1996 West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals election took place on November 5, 1996, to elect two Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia for the next 12 years. The election was concurrently held with a separate special election to complete Franklin Cleckley's unexpired term on the court. The electoral system requires voters to vote for no more than two candidates.
The original holders of the two seats up for election, Democratic Justices William T. Brotherton Jr. and Richard Neely, both retired in 1995. They were replaced by Arthur M. Recht and Joseph Albright, both appointed by Democratic Governor Gaston Caperton. However, they were defeated in the Democratic primary election by Larry Starcher and Spike Maynard, both Circuit Court Judges.
In the general election, Starcher and Maynard managed to defeat Republican candidates John C. Yoder, a State Senator from the 16th district, and Richard A. "Richie" Robb, mayor of South Charleston.
Democratic primary
Candidates Nominees Larry Starcher, judge of 17th Circuit Court. Spike Maynard, judge of 30th Circuit Court.
Eliminated in primary Joseph Albright, incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals. Arthur M. Recht, incumbent Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals. John R. Frazier, Mercer County Circuit Judge. Brian Gallagher, member of the House of Delegates from Monongalia County.
Results
Republican primary
Candidates Nominees John C. Yoder, State Senator from the 16th district. Richard A. "Richie" Robb, mayor of South Charleston.
Results
General election
Results
References